Bio
Telma Hopkins is an American singer and television actress. A member of the 1970s pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn, she later starred in several television sitcoms including Bosom Buddies, Gimme a Break!, Family Matters, Getting By and Half & Half.
She currently stars as Suzanne's mother, Marilyn, in the television sitcom Are We There Yet?, since 2010.
Hopkins' recognizability and comedic timing led to starring roles in numerous television sitcoms, including Bosom Buddies, Gimme A Break, Family Matters, Getting By and Half & Half.
She received four NAACP Image Awards nominations for her work on Half & Half and won Best Supporting Actress at the 2005 BET Comedy Awards.
Hopkins' other television appearances included guest roles on ER, Suddenly Susan, For Your Love and Psych, as well as recurring roles on the The Hughleys and Any Day Now. Her movie credits include the Trancers trilogy, The Wood, Showtime's Rain and The Love Guru.
Hopkins' performing roots can be traced to her native Detroit, where she worked to become one of Motown's top session singers, singing background with such musical legends as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Isaac Hayes and Dionne Warwick.
Hopkins' inspirations are Carol Burnett, who does everything from comedy to drama, and the late great Pearl Bailey, "a woman of great attitude."
Hopkins is on the board of the women's shelter In God's Sheltering Arms. While Hopkins has been a mentor for 12 years, she has also been the spokesperson for the National P.T.A. and Act on Arthritis.
She has worked on behalf of McClaren Hall, Rainbow Camp, Hollygrove Group Home and Caring for Babies with AIDS.